How to Replace a T5 LED Tube Light

T5 LED tubes are commonly used in offices, kitchens, garages, retail displays, and under-cabinet lighting.  They provide bright illumination whilst using less electricity than traditional fluorescent tubes.  While they also last longer there will inevitably come a time when you need to replace a LED tube within your lighting fixture.   Knowing how to replace one correctly will help to ensure safety and proper operation of the light.

1. The first and most important step is to turn off the power supply before changing the tube over.  You should never attempt to replace a tube light while electricity is still flowing to the fixture.  You will need to turn off the wall switch and for extra safety we would also recommend that you turn off the circuit breaker connected to the light. This will reduce the risk of electric shock and help to protect the light fixture from accidental damage.
2. Next you will need to allow the old tube to cool down if it has been recently used. Once it is safe to handle and cool to the touch you can then inspect the fixture and identify whether the tube is a standard replaceable T5 LED tube or an integrated LED fitting.  Fixtures with standard tubes can be removed individually and replaced but an integrated unit may require replacing the entire fixture.
3. To remove a standard T5 tube you will need to gently rotate the tube about 90 degrees until the pins align with the socket openings.  Then you can carefully pull the tube downward and out of the holder.  You should avoid using too much force, as this may damage the socket or the tube. If the tube becomes broken from removal we would highly recommend that you use protective gloves and follow proper disposal methods to get rid of the tube.
4. Before installing the new tube this will be a good point to make sure that your new tube matches the old one and will fit into the fixture.  You will need to be sure that it matches the old one in length, wattage, voltage, and fitting type.  T5 tubes for example are thinner than T8 tubes, meaning that they are not interchangeable.  If you are unsure you should also check whether the replacement is ballast-compatible or if it requires a ballast bypass. Using the wrong type may prevent the light from working properly.
5. Now you should be ready to install the new T5 LED tube.  You will need to insert the pins into the socket slots and rotate the tube until it locks securely.  This will be confirmed by making sure it sits firmly and evenly in the fixture.  If the tube is fitted loosely it may cause flickering or may not even turn on.
6. Once the replacement is complete it is now time to restore the power and test the light. The new LED tube should turn on instantly and light up consistently. If it does not we would suggest that you check for any loose connections, incorrect installation direction, or ballast compatibility issues.

As an extra note - If you are replacing an integrated T5 LED fixture you may need to unscrew the entire unit from the mounting clips or brackets.  You should disconnect the wiring carefully after ensuring that all of the power is off.  You can then install the new fixture by connecting the live and neutral wires correctly and securing it back into place.